MANILA – Lawmakers are pushing for an ambitious “all-in-one-day” process on December 29, 2025, to ratify the reconciled 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) in both chambers and transmit it immediately to Malacañang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature—just two days before the year ends. The plan, floated amid ongoing bicameral conference committee (bicam) delays, aims to avert a reenacted budget and ensure fresh funds flow into government operations starting January 1, 2026.
Senate finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian outlined the tight schedule: Final bicam sessions wrapping up by December 20-22, followed by ratification in plenary (potentially via special sessions post-Christmas break) and swift transmittal on the 29th. “We’re compressing to meet the deadline—ratification and sending to the President in one go on Dec. 29,” Gatchalian said, acknowledging the “very tight” timeline but expressing confidence in avoiding reenactment.
House appropriations chair Rep. Mikaela Suansing echoed optimism, noting the livestreamed bicam (a first for transparency) has resolved most disagreements, with remaining items like DPWH allocations nearing consensus.
Why the Rush?
- Bicam Delays: Deadlocks over DPWH funding (amid flood scandal scrutiny) and social aid provisions pushed talks beyond initial targets.
- Reenactment Risks: A delayed enactment would force 2025 budget rollover—disrupting new programs and salary hikes.
- Holiday Break: Congress adjourns December 20; special sessions may reconvene post-Christmas for the final push.
President Marcos has vowed no reenactment, directing transparency in bicam to rebuild trust post-scandal. The P6.793-trillion GAB—record-high—prioritizes education (P1.28T total sector), health, and infrastructure.
As families gear up for Noche Buena, lawmakers race the clock: This “all-in-one-day” sprint isn’t just procedural—it’s a test of delivering a “clean, timely” budget for a hopeful 2026.
Timeline Snapshot (Tentative):
| Milestone | Target Date |
|---|---|
| Bicam Wrap-Up | Dec 20-22, 2025 |
| Ratification | Dec 29 (special sessions) |
| Transmittal to Malacañang | Dec 29 |
| Presidential Signing | Dec 29-30 |